Daniel Farke to bench Leeds United regular after last-gasp transfer
Neil Redfearn has backed Daniel Farke to drop Ilia Gruev at Leeds United following the signing of midfielder Ao Tanaka.
Tanaka replaced Gruev late on for a debut cameo during Saturday’s (31 August) 2-0 win over Hull City at Elland Road, having signed on deadline day from Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Former Whites manager Redfearn sees the Japanese international serving as the long-term midfield partner to skipper Ethan Ampadu in Daniel Farke’s first XI.
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds (31 August), via Leeds United News (1 September), the 59-year-old said: “I don’t think we’ll see much of Gruev from now on in.
“I think we’ll see more of a Tanaka to be honest with you. There’s enough about Ampadu to do the role of two.”
Leeds United assumption made on Ilia Gruev
For a considerable period throughout the transfer window, Leeds United fans would have been forgiven for worrying about a severe lack of depth in their squad.
However, with Tanaka having arrived alongside Manor Solomon and Isaac Schmidt just before the deadline, there is now breathing space and Farke finds himself blessed with a choice in the middle of the park following the signing of the Japan man.
Gruev, 24, has so far started in every league match this season, and apart from loanee Joe Rothwell was the only central midfield player to partner captain Ampadu in the side until Tanaka’s arrival.
Due to the scintillating form of Archie Gray last term, Gruev’s appearances were restricted as he started just half of Leeds’ Championship games.
And judging by Redfearn’s verdict, the Bulgarian could end up falling in the pecking order once more.
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